Let Freedom Ring – Reflections on Freedom this Independence Day

A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom. – Bob Dylan

I look forward to walking my puppy in the evenings. It’s a nice way to decompress after a long day and enjoy the beauty of the seasons. Especially in the summer.

One of my favorite views is of an older church in our neighborhood. The well-kept building and its grounds are beautiful and peaceful. It reminds me of the iconic, Americana view of a sunset, steeple and lush trees.

It didn’t escape me that this view was on the night before Independence Day. Looking at the steeple, I was waiting to hear the hourly chimes. “Let freedom ring” was my first thought.

Freedom. It’s a term we toss around frequently. But what does it mean?

Sure, we can pull out a dictionary and read the definition. But what does freedom mean – to you? To me?

As a military family, it means sacrifice. It means protection. It means days, weekends, weeks, months and, sometimes, a year or more of separation. It means danger. It means pride.

As a writer and journalist, it means freedom of speech and freedom of the press. That I can write about what I want, when I want. It also reminds me that journalism can be a dangerous career path. Being a part of the checks and balance system is a huge responsibility.

Freedom.

It also didn’t escape me that on this particular Independence Day observance that there is a lot of divisiveness and ugliness in our country. That boisterous voices are on the opposite sides of numerous debates. That some don’t even want to celebrate or recognize the holiday due to the divisiveness.

I understand. It seems like there is nothing in common anymore.

But there is.

Freedom.

No matter how bad things are in this politically divisive country at the moment, there is one thing we all have in common.

Freedom.

We have the freedom to make a difference – in our own neighborhoods. In our country. Around the world. We have the freedom to gather and protest. We have the freedom to give quietly.

We are free to choose how to react. We are free to choose our words and actions. We are free to have opinions. We are free to choose whether we will celebrate or not. Free to decide how we will practice – or not – our faith.

Yes, at the moment things don’t appear to be going well. There are a lot of problems that need to be addressed – and should have been addressed – a long time ago.

But, when we strive for freedom – for ourselves and others – we find we do have common ground. It’s what makes this country – even at this very moment – wonderful and unique; despite its warts, bumps and bruises.

We enjoy so many freedoms it is hard to list them all – freedom to say what I want and not worry about the secret police knocking on my door. Freedom to practice my religion if I choose (noting that I am of a religion that has been severely persecuted in history from time to time). This country gve me life – if my grandparents hadn’t left, they may well have joined their relatives dead in the Holocaust. It’s sobering to think about.

Lynne – Thank you for this beautifully written story. It’s time to “Let Freedom Ring” on this Independence Day. There has been a terrific price to pay for having the freedom that we enjoy so much. Thanking all military families for the sacrifices that they have made. Hope you are having a great day of celebration.